Orange Festival

Fillmore’s annual Orange Festival begins today. The weekend-long community fete will offer carnival rides and a midway, arts and crafts booths, food, entertainment and other activities. It takes place in the downtown area along Central Avenue. Saturday will feature a parade at 10 a.m.

* Orange Festival, today-Friday, 3:30-10 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., along Central Avenue, Fillmore. Free. 524-03510.

Community Fete

The annual Conejo Valley Days, which draws throngs to Conejo Creek Park in Thousand Oaks, concludes this weekend. Still on the schedule are the popular rodeo events Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The CVD Parade will kick off Saturday at 9 a.m. along Thousand Oaks Boulevard. Tonight only, a special carnival ride bracelet is available for $12 with the price of admission.

* Conejo Valley Days, midway hours: today, 5-10 p.m.; Friday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, noon-midnight; Sunday, noon-8 p.m., Conejo Creek Park, Janss Road and Moorpark Freeway, Thousand Oaks. $6, $5 seniors and students; $3 ages 6-12; free under 6. 371-8730.

Chamber Festival

The Ventura Chamber Music Festival will return to downtown Ventura beginning today. Now in its sixth season, the festival continues to enjoy growing acclaim for its offering of internationally lauded chamber ensembles, guest instrumentalists and regional talent. Under the direction of Burns Taft and Gregory B. Smith, this year’s “Living Treasures”-themed program will include performances by the Shanghai Quartet, “Jewels From the World of Dance” by the Ventura Chamber Music Ensemble and the Channel Islands Ballet, guitarist Sharon Isbin, pianist Christopher O’Riley, tenor Jonathon Mack and pianist John Browning. In addition, conductor Paul Salamunovich will lead a performance with the Ventura Master Chorale, Ventura Master Singers and festival orchestra.

* The Ventura Chamber Music Festival, today-May 14, various downtown Ventura venues. Call for a free brochure or to purchase tickets. Internet: https://www.vcmfa.org. 648-3146 or [888] 882-VCMF.

Words & Images

An impressive schedule of performers is slated to appear this weekend at the first Ojai Storytelling Festival. The event, which organizer Brian Bemel hopes will become an annual one, will take place at various locations in Ojai, including the Libbey Bowl, Chaparral Auditorium, Ojai Valley Woman’s Club and Local Hero Bookstore. Some of the nationally recognized talent includes Donald Davis, Diane Ferlatte, Barbara McBride-Smith and Patrick Ball.

* Ojai Storytelling Festival; Friday, Saturday, Sunday; $5-$12. For a complete schedule, call 646-8907 or 218-5944.